SIDEBAR

Spay Neuter Initiatives is hosting a craft fair on May 4. Book a table for just $20. The show will run from morning to late afternoon at the Woodview Community Centre, 151 Cadillac Ave. N., Oshawa. E-mail Michelle at cmichee18@hotmail.com by Feb. 28 to book your table, or to donate a gift for the raffle.

The Second Chance Wildlife Sanctuary is hosting an indoor yard sale on March 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the sanctuary, 2060 Concession Rd. 7. It will feature items such as glassware, crockery, books, art and prints, electronics, toys and furniture. Call 905-649-8282 for more information. A snow date is set for March 9.

I'm no expert in the kitchen, but somehow I manage to throw these great bake sales to support local animals in need.

It's mostly thanks to the help of my colleagues, friends and especially my mom (who probably secretly wishes she never baked me that first cookie that convinced me she's the best baker I know). They all pitch in to throw amazing bake sales that always garner hundreds of dollars for a local animal charity in need of funds.

I've learned that selling baked goods is a great way to get people out to support a cause. It's fun, and who doesn't want to have a tasty treat in the middle of a long day?

Plus, it gives me a great opportunity to tell my colleagues all about the charity we're raising funds for. And I'm so grateful for my colleagues who support the cause, even the ones who mock me and say they only come out for the food, not the animals. I know they're only joking, right?

On Monday, Feb. 25, you can bake to help animals too. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is asking Canadians to fight animal cruelty with cupcakes that day.

The event, which started in Australia, is calling all bakers and animal lovers to hold the first-ever National Cupcake Day in Canada. Everyone is asked to bake their best cupcakes, host a cupcake party, share cupcakes with family, friend and colleagues, and collect donations all in support of the SPCAs and humane societies across Canada.

"This is really a fun, grassroots way to help fight animal cruelty and make a difference. Everyone loves cupcakes, and they taste even sweeter when you know it's for a good cause," said Marc Ralsky, director of community and donor development for the Ontario SPCA.

Those wishing to purchase some cupcakes on Cupcake Day can visit Ajax North Pet Hospital on Feb. 25. Staff will sell homemade cupcakes (for humans only) for a donation of $1 or more. All donations will go to the humane society. Those who would like a larger number of cupcakes are asked to let the staff know by Feb. 21. The clinic is located at 201 Williamson Dr. W., #10, Ajax. Call 905-428-8387 for more information.

Kristen Calis covers Pickering and writes a pet column for the Metroland Media Group’s Durham Region Division. Anyone with upcoming animal charity events that they would like listed in Kristen’s Kritters can e-mail kcalis@durhamregion.com.